The youths of Cross River and Ebonyi States have come together to commemorate five years of peace and harmony in their border communities. This celebration marks a significant milestone in the resolution of long-standing boundary disputes between the two sister states. It is a testament to their commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in the region.
The history of border conflicts between Cross River and Ebonyi States spans several years, resulting in tragic loss of lives and destruction of valuable property. However, the recent truce signals a renewed sense of hope and cooperation among the youth of these states.
Addressing the gathering, Barrister Paschal Nwenyi, President of Cross River – Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement, expressed profound joy and optimism regarding the event. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with community-based peace structures and critical stakeholders to develop effective conflict early warning response systems. This proactive approach aims to prevent future conflicts and promote stability not only within the two states but also across Nigeria as a whole.
A pivotal moment in the commemoration was the formal inauguration of a Community-Based Early Warning-Early Response System (CB-CEWERS) by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution. Comprising members of the Cross River – Ebonyi Youths Peace Development Movement (CREBYPDM), this system is designed to facilitate swift responses to potential conflicts, further solidifying the commitment to sustained peace.
In his address, Nwenyi eloquently articulated the fundamental purpose of land – to sustain and nurture life, not to be a source of discord and violence. He underscored the need for peaceful dialogue and resolution of disputes, urging the youth to refrain from taking the law into their hands and instead seek amicable solutions.
The inauguration of the 5-year truce in both states holds significant promise for fostering collaborative negotiations, multi-stakeholder engagement, and consensus-building. These efforts are instrumental in aligning diverse interests towards a common goal of peace and prosperity.
The commendable efforts of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja, in supporting the Cross River and Ebonyi Youth Peace Development Movement (CREBYPDM) were acknowledged by Nwenyi. Moreover, he praised the unwavering contributions of Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, his counterpart Chief Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, their deputies, and government functionaries in upholding border peace.
The unwavering support and cooperation of traditional rulers, the clergy, and all citizens in the war-affected areas were lauded for their commitment to sustaining peace in the region over the past five years.
The celebration was further enriched by the presentation of goodwill messages from stakeholders in both states and a captivating cultural troupe performance. Notably, His Royal Highness Eze Oketa Sunday, the traditional ruler from Ebonyi State, expressed heartfelt joy at the remarkable progress towards peace between the two states.
The commemoration of the 5-year truce not only signifies a newfound era of harmony but also serves as a beacon of hope for peaceful resolution of conflicts across the globe. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, dialogue, and the unwavering spirit of the youth in fostering sustainable peace and development.
